Smooth Tuck® is a surgical technique that I developed as a less invasive alternative to the traditional tummy tuck. Smooth Tuck® is a unique combination of high volume liposuction of the upper and lower abdomen and flanks, with removal of excess skin, and repositioning and rejuvenation of the belly button. Who is a candidate? Someone who is a good candidate for the traditional tummy tuck but desires a procedure with high the recovery and pain. Also, people who are considered “too obese” for a traditional tummy tuck are good candidates because of the high volume liposuction. Compared to the traditional tummy tuck, Smooth Tuck® removes 3 times as much fat (an average of 3 liters), back to work in 7-10 days (compared to 14-21 days), and ½ the pain as determined by the amount of prescription pain medicine required. Smooth Tuck® has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, The Doctors, and Life & Style Weekly. Currently it is only available with me at my New York City office and has attracted patients from around the globe. Learn more about Smooth Tuck®.

Keller Funnel™ is an innovative device used to help with the insertion of silicone gel breast implants. This device resembles a pastry bag. Using this device has revolutionized my breast augmentation practice. I am now able to insert even large gel implants through the tiniest incisions. In fact, my average incision length for breast implants is 1.18 inches! Other advantages include: less pain, less risk of infection, less risk of implant rupture, and less chance of capsular contracture or “hardening of the implant”. As one of only a few plastic surgeons in the New York area using this technology, I have become among the most sought after cosmetic breast surgeons in New York City. I have integrated this funnel into my surgical technique and now offer an “ultra-short-scar, rapid-recovery breast augmentation.” Learn more about the breast implant technique with the Keller Funnel™.

PermaLip™ is the latest in permanent lip augmentation. This soft, solid silicone rubber implant can be inserted into the upper or lower lip, giving a permanently fuller lip that looks, and feels, natural. This has allowed me to offer my patients a fuller pout, without the pain, cost, and inconsistency of temporary injectable fillers like Restylane or Juvaderm. I was among the first plastic surgeons in New York to try PermaLip™. Now, several years later, I have among the largest experience with this implant in the country. The procedure is done in my office using only local anesthesia. The added benefit is an incredible cost savings. Temporary fillers can cost upwards of $700 and the results last about 6 months. This means that plumping your lips and maintaining this look for 5 years with temporary fillers will cost over $7500! At a cost of $2500 for one implant, and $4000 for two implants, this is a huge savings. In fact, Life & Style Weekly called it “a steal”. Learn more about PermaLip™.

So, by adding these 3 procedures to my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, I am able to offer my patients the latest (and “greatest”) ways to rejuvenate their face and body. To schedule your consultation in my Park Avenue Office, contact us today by call 212-289-1851. If you are from out-of-town, ask about our assistance in arranging overnight lodging or arranging an internet or phone consultation.

Liposuction is the mechanical removal of fat through suction. This is done through small incisions and using cannulas to suction the fat out of your body. Liposuction only removes fat and does not remove skin. Your skin will “shrink” to some extent after liposuction, accommodating the slimmer, skinnier you. Laser liposuction uses laser to help “shrink” and “tighten” the skin, improving your overall result.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves surgically removing the loose hanging skin of the lower abdomen. A Tummy Tuck also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that have become weak through multiple pregnancies. This is done through an incision across the lower abdomen that in some cases goes from hip to hip. A Tummy Tuck can be considered a “skin and muscle operation” because it commonly addresses the loose skin seen after multiple pregnancies or weight loss. It does little in terms of fat removal.

So, now knowing the difference between these two procedures, you can better decide which is best for you. If you have loose hanging skin of your lower abdomen, then liposuction is not the answer. In fact, liposuction will remove fat and do little to the overlying skin. The ultimate result may be more hanging skin after liposuction and a worse appearance. A Tummy Tuck is the procedure for removing hanging skin.

If you have had multiple pregnancies that have stretched out your abdomen and caused weakening of your abdominal muscles, than you probably need a tummy tuck. No matter how much fat is removed, weak abdominal muscles will always make the belly look large and round. A tummy tuck will address these weak muscles by tightening them in the middle. Liposuction does nothing to improve the underlying muscles. The Smooth Tuck procedure is another option for improving the contour of your abdomen.

Liposuction will also do nothing to help remove stretch marks. Stretch marks are the result of weight fluctuations and pregnancy. They are actual “cracks” in the deep layers of the skin. The only way to remove stretch marks is by removal of the skin containing these stretch marks. Usually a tummy tuck will remove the skin from the pubic area to the belly button, assuming there is enough skin laxity.

It is common for people to mistakenly confuse these two procedures. The basic rule is if you need fat removed, then liposuction may be the answer. If you need hanging skin removed, then you may need a tummy tuck. Yes, a tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure requiring more recovery, but getting liposuction when you really need a tummy tuck will result in a worse overall appearance.

Many individuals ofter have to have a combination of procedures to achieve their overall desired look. Women who undergo tummy tuck often have a breast lift as well. A board certified plastic surgeon, like myself should be able to evaluate you and advise you as to the most appropriate procedure or procedures.

If you are interested in a procedure, contact my office in New York City today. I would be happy to meet with you and discusses your needs.

Liposuction involves the removal of fat with the help of a suction device through very small incisions.  Any volume of fat can be removed – from large volume to just small amount in the problem areas.  After the fat is removed, the skin will generally tighten to accommodate your now slimmer body.  The amount that your skin can tighten depends on several factors: the amount of fat removed, the area it is removed from, and the quality of your skin. 

Liposuction is used specifically to remove fat and improve the overall shape of your body. When performed on your abdomen, liposuction can result in a tighter upper and lower abdomen and flanks, with very small and hidden incisions. Liposuction will not do much to improve your skin. This means that if you have hanging skin, or pannus, liposuction may make this appear worse. Also, if you have abdominal wall laxity because of loss of muscle tone, liposuction will do nothing to help this. Lastly, if you are complaining of stretch marks, liposuction will not eliminate this and may in fact make it look worse.

A Tummy Tuck in New York, or abdominoplasty, is a larger operation but has a significantly greater impact on the appearance of your abdomen. A Tummy Tuck will remove the excess or hanging skin, remove stretch marks, and remove excess fat.  It also involves tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles that become loose with age, after pregnancy, or changes in weight. Tightening the muscles is the most powerful way of giving you a flatter, tighter abdomen.

Your board certified plastic surgeon will be able to examine you and tell you if liposuction or a tummy tuck is best for you.  Oftentimes, the two are combined in order to give you the best improvement in the contour of your abdomen.  Keep in mind that the recovery from a Tummy Tuck is greater than the necessary recovery from a Tummy Tuck. This may also factor into your decision between these two popular procedures.